Finalists named for YWCA’s Champions of Change awards

Champions of Change awards

Seven Quad Cities leaders – four women and three men – have been selected as finalists for the 2023 Champions of Change Awards, presented by the YWCA Quad Cities and its YES SHE CAN Series.

The awards program, now in its second year, celebrates extraordinary leaders and mentors in the Quad Cities who are intentionally mentoring and empowering women in our community. 

The group of finalists will be honored at an awards luncheon, at which, one Female Champion of Change and one Male Champion of Change will be named. The buffet luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf. 

The YWCA invited the community to nominate Champions of Change honorees. To be considered, nominees must meet this criteria: demonstrate an unwavering passion and commitment to the community; serve as role models making a difference in the lives of others, specifically women in leadership through exhibiting commitment to their success; have made significant contributions that have inspired women to succeed; utilizes his/her influence, talents and abilities to enhance gender diversity; and have made the Quad Cities a better place to live, work, and play.

The 2023 finalists, in alphabetical order, are: 

Female Champion of Change

  • Linda Guebert, of Davenport, is a parish nurse manager for UnityPoint Health-Trinity. In  nominating Ms. Guebert, Pamela Samuelson wrote: “Linda is an inspiration, a role model, and mentor for women who desire to serve their church, help improve the health and well-being of individuals, and make the Quad Cities a better place to live and prosper. Linda’s selfless work, which she demonstrates daily, inspires other women – especially her parish nurses and fellow Trinity team members.” 
  • Laura Mahn, of Rock Island, is the founder and director of Nest Cafe. She was nominated by Elly Vos, Diann Gano and Samantha Mae Trei. In their nomination, they wrote: “Laura is committed to uplifting women through leadership, community and connections. Her mostly female staff continues to be encouraged by her empowering and encouraging style as they work closely together to provide a service to the community. Laura is my boss, a leader, and a champion.”
  • Tyla Sherwin-Cole, of Rock Island, is the chief executive director of the Doris & Victor Day Foundation and event coordinator for Gathering of Women. In nominating Ms. Sherwin-Cole, Bobbie Lastrapes wrote: “Tyla is committed to supporting and encouraging women. She values their strengths and gifts. As you look at her many actions and examples of giving, serving, encouraging, it has helped to inspire other women. She always makes time to participate in community projects, programs, and organizations that will celebrate women and their gifts.” 
  • Sarah Stevens, of Moline, is founder of The Beautifull project and community impact officer for The Project of the Quad Cities. She was nominated by Jennifer Davis, who wrote: “Occasionally, when someone is climbing the ladder of leadership they forget to turn around and help those behind them. With Sarah, her successes are different. She has stacked ladders side by side so that others can join her on her journey. Life is not a competition for her, but a way to ensure that we all succeed. I firmly believe that I’m a better person, employee, and leader because of Sarah’s guidance and friendship.” 

Male Champion of Change

  • Nate Clark, Bettendorf, is global director, Corporate Social Responsibility for John Deere, and president of the John Deere Foundation. He was nominated by Laura Eberlin, who wrote: “Nate mentors women on his staff, colleagues, and peers, and serves as a champion to their development and success. Nate is a great listener first, and quick to offer his support second. He shines light on women’s successes and will quickly be the one in the shadow. Nate sees enormous value in women and ensures they have a voice at the table and opportunity to lead.”
  • Brian Doerrfeld, Davenport, owner of Revive You, race director, event coordinator and personal trainer. He was nominated by Colleen Rafferty, who wrote “Brian takes a very grassroots approach to his passion and commitment to the success of others, specifically women in leadership. Brian’s work as a personal trainer is devoted to building up and empowering women, to make sure they have the confidence and strength to achieve their dreams. Brian is a young man, a single father of his 7-year-old daughter. He works in many roles professionally, and yet he is always willing to step up, collaborate with others, and lead with activism to raise up women leaders and build community.”   
  • Matt Mendenhall, Bettendorf, is CEO of the Regional Development Authority (RDA). He was nominated by Kristin Berry, who wrote “Matt has made significant contributions to inspiring and supporting women leadership. As a woman business leader, I have always felt like I have a champion and supporter in Matt, regardless of my age or gender. Matt not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk in his daily life. He is selfless with his time and talents and is and will continue to be a driving force behind change in our community.” 

Tickets for the Champions of Change awards event are $45 per person, $325 for table of eight. For tickets, visit https://ywcaquadcities.salsalabs.org/ChampionsofChange2023

The YWCA, based in Rock Island with a satellite office in Davenport, launched the awards along with the YES SHE CAN Series in 2022. The first winners of the new award were: LuAnn Haydon, retired John Deere, and Rob Woodall, Arconic. 

“Champions of Change are individuals who are willing to step up, work together, listen, learn and lead with action,” said Deanna Woodall, the YWCA’s vice president, development and growth. “By honoring them, the YWCA hopes to encourage others to take notice of their leadership and positive impact.” 

She added: “By honoring them, we hope to encourage others to take notice of their own leadership talents and the positive impact they are making.”  

The 2023 event sponsors are: Female Champion of Change Award, Quad City Bank & Trust; Male Champion of Change Award, American Bank & Trust; Host Location, Waterfront Convention Center; Award Sponsor, Edwards Creative; Media Sponsor, Quad Cities Regional Business Journal; Silver Level Sponsor, GreenState Credit Union; and Bronze Level Sponsors, Assured Partners, Shive-Hattery and Tyson.

For more information on the event, contact Deanna Woodall at dwoodall@qcywca.org.

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